Asian Journal of Advances in Medical Science

The present study investigates the health impacts of shift work among Information Technology (IT) professionals, with a focus on differences between day and night shift employees. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 IT workers in Bangalore and Mysuru, Karnataka using a structured online questionnaire. The survey assessed sleep quality, dietary patterns, stress levels, musculoskeletal health, menstrual health (in female respondents), and coping behaviours such as alcohol, caffeine, and smoking use. Results indicated that night shift workers reported significantly higher prevalence of sleep disturbances (64.5%), headaches (64.5%), cardiovascular risk factors (31%), and menstrual irregularities (50.1% of female respondents) compared to day shift workers. Lifestyle modifications such as increased caffeine intake (36.2%) and reliance on sleep-inducing substances (24.4%) were also more common among night shift employees. These findings highlights the occupational health risks associated with night shift work and underline the need for workplace interventions aimed at circadian health, stress reduction, and ergonomic well-being.